100,000 Foreign POGO Workers Face October 15 Visa Downgrade Deadline

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has announced that over 100,000 foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) must downgrade their work visas to tourist visas by October 15, 2024 to avoid deportation. This figure greatly exceeds the initial estimate of 20,000 foreign workers affected by the visa changes.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco revealed that about 2,000 of these visas have already been converted. The downgrade is part of a broader strategy following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to completely shut down POGO operations by the end of the year. “With the [President’s] announcement on banning of POGOs, they have no more reason to be working here,” Tansingco was quoted as saying during the August 29 Senate budget hearing, referencing the President’s order.

According to the Inquirer, the BI has halted the acceptance of new 9G visa applications and renewals for POGO employees since President Marcos announced the ban on July 22. The visa downgrades are intended to allow foreign workers to address any legal and financial obligations before their departure.

Tansingco explained that the downgrade process will give workers until December 31, 2024, to exit the country. “We already started the ‘downgrading’ [of their] work visas to tourist visas. That will allow them to settle all their accountabilities, secure clearances, and leave the country within 59 days,” he noted.

In addition, Tansingco addressed concerns about potential non-compliance. They have implemented a system requiring foreign POGO workers to submit valid plane tickets to ensure they leave within 59 days after their 9G visas were downgraded. The BI is coordinating with the Board of Investments and the Philippine Retirement Authority to monitor the process and prevent attempts to remain in the country through alternative visas.

The shutdown of the POGO sector, announced during President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address, is aimed at curbing illegal activities such as scams, human trafficking, and money laundering that have plagued the industry. The BI’s efforts to enforce the visa downgrade are part of a comprehensive strategy to end POGO operations by the end of the year.

Concerns remain about the regulatory oversight of POGOs operating in special economic zones, such as those in Cagayan, Bataan, and Aurora. These areas have their own regulatory frameworks, potentially complicating the nationwide ban. “I’m banking on what Pagcor and other government agencies said… all POGOs are banned as what the President [had ordered],” said Senator Risa Hontiveros.

In 2023, POGOs were rebranded as IGLs (Internet Gaming Licensees) and there are 43 IGLs in the country that have valid licenses to operate from Pagcor. They are now all are covered by the President’s ban.

Read related article: All POGOs banned in PH by President Marcos